08/15/2026
INFORMATIONAL POST:
I am having surgery on my knee August 19th and will be out of the bakery for an undetermined period of time. It may just be a couple of weeks depending on the outcome of the surgery - it's just a meniscus repair. However, even if I can be on my feet, it will be on a limited basis for a while. At this point, the baked goods for Prickly Cactus will be my priority and then other orders will be determined on how my knee feels.
Being closed is not ideal, but I have no choice. During this time I will be evaluating my business and seeing what the future looks like. The new bakeries in town and all of the 'farm stands' in the area have flooded the market with baked goods. Even though I don't need (or want) to be constantly busy, I still have expenses to meet - electric, propane, maintenance, insurance (which just went up again - business liability/equipment/building). I have thought about just going back to baking at the house as a cottage bakery, but that limits (legally) what I can make (although that doesn't seem to matter to most) and that includes not being able to supply baked goods for the coffee shop. I've only had a couple of meal catering orders this year, so that hasn't worked out like I had hoped (that was a big reason for having my own space). This may be God's way of saying this season is over - who knows?!?!?
I enjoy serving all of my customers and would really miss you all! This venture has allowed me to meet new people and stretch myself in many ways. I've also used it to begin feeding a large group of unsheltered folks in Springfield every few months.
The food service industry is tough - physically, financially, emotionally, mentally. It's even tougher when you try to do what's right/follow the rules - pay sales taxes, report income, be inspected by the health department, be food safe in all areas. That's why so many places come and go. It takes a lot of dedication to make it work.
Sorry if this post sounds like a downer - just being honest! Hang with me a little longer and we will see what the future holds! I am not hanging up the apron yet - just taking it off for a moment!
Now, if you have read this far, please leave your initials or a comment and I will enter you into a drawing for a treat of your choice (within limits)!! :)
Send a message to learn more
